Easy Cheesy Hash Brown Casserole
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Easy Cheesy Hash Brown Casserole is a creamy, comforting side dish my family always looks forward to seeing on the table. Frozen shredded hash browns, cheddar cheese, sour cream, and cream of mushroom soup bake beneath a buttery Corn Flakes topping that adds the perfect crunch.
I have made this hash brown casserole many times for family dinners, holiday meals, and potlucks when I need an easy side dish that feeds a crowd. It only takes about 10 minutes to assemble, and I love that the hash browns go into the casserole completely frozen.
If you enjoy comforting sides like this one, be sure to check out my other easy potato recipes, vegetable casseroles, and holiday side dishes. This cheesy hash brown casserole is especially delicious with ham, turkey, roast beef, or chicken.
Why I Love This Hash Brown Casserole
There is a reason this easy hash brown casserole has become a family favorite around here. It uses simple ingredients, requires very little preparation, and comes out perfectly creamy and cheesy every time.
I especially love that I do not need to thaw the frozen hash browns. I can take the bag directly from the freezer, mix everything in the casserole dish, and have it ready for the oven in about 10 minutes.
The buttery Corn Flakes topping is one of my favorite parts. It turns golden and crispy while the cheesy potato mixture underneath stays rich and creamy. This contrast makes the casserole special enough for a holiday meal but simple enough for an everyday family dinner.
Why This Easy Recipe Works
Frozen shredded hash browns create the perfect tender potato texture without any peeling, chopping, or precooking. Sour cream and condensed cream of mushroom soup form the creamy sauce, while cheddar cheese adds plenty of rich, cheesy flavor.
The crushed Corn Flakes add a crisp finish that keeps the casserole from feeling too heavy. Pouring melted butter over the cereal helps the topping become golden and flavorful as it bakes.
Ingredients for Easy Cheesy Hash Brown Casserole
This frozen hash brown casserole is made with a short list of familiar ingredients that create a creamy filling and crunchy topping.
- Frozen shredded hash browns: Use the hash browns directly from the freezer. There is no need to thaw them. Shredded hash browns give the casserole its tender texture and make preparation incredibly easy.
- Cheddar cheese: Shredded cheddar adds plenty of cheesy flavor throughout the casserole. Mild or medium cheddar works well, but sharp cheddar can be used for a stronger cheese flavor.
- Condensed cream of mushroom soup: The condensed soup helps hold the casserole together while adding savory flavor and a creamy texture. Condensed cream of chicken soup can be substituted if your family prefers it.
- Sour cream: Sour cream makes the hash brown mixture rich and creamy. Full fat sour cream produces the creamiest result, but light sour cream can also be used.
- Corn Flakes cereal: Crushed Corn Flakes create the light, crispy topping. Crush the cereal into small pieces, but leave enough texture to give the finished casserole plenty of crunch.
- Butter: Melted butter is poured over the Corn Flakes so that the topping becomes buttery and golden as it bakes. Salted or unsalted butter will work.
- Salt and black pepper: Season the hash brown mixture according to your taste. The condensed soup and cheddar cheese already contain salt, so I recommend adding it lightly.
How to Make Hash Brown Casserole
This cheesy hash brown casserole goes from freezer to oven with only a few minutes of preparation. Keep the hash browns frozen and bake the assembled casserole uncovered for exactly 45 minutes.
Pro Tips for the Best Hash Brown Casserole
- Do not thaw the hash browns. I make this recipe with completely frozen shredded hash browns, and 45 minutes in the oven is perfect.
- Mix everything in the baking dish. Combining the hash browns, cheese, and creamy mixture directly in the casserole dish saves me from washing another large bowl.
- Grease the dish well. This keeps the cheesy potato mixture from sticking around the edges and makes cleanup easier.
- Do not crush the Corn Flakes too finely. I place the cereal in a zip top bag and gently press it with the bottom of a measuring cup. This trick works well in my kitchen because it keeps the mess contained while leaving enough texture for a crispy topping.
- Pour the butter slowly and evenly. Move across the entire casserole as you pour so that the melted butter covers as much of the Corn Flakes topping as possible.
- Season lightly. Cheddar cheese and condensed soup both contain salt. You can always add more salt to individual servings at the table.
- Bake the casserole uncovered. Leaving it uncovered helps the Corn Flakes topping become crisp and golden.
What to Serve With Hash Brown Casserole
Easy Cheesy Hash Brown Casserole is a versatile side dish that works with many family dinners and holiday meals. Its creamy texture and cheesy flavor are especially good with simply seasoned meats and fresh vegetables.
Try serving it with:
- Baked ham
- Roasted turkey
- Roast beef
- Meatloaf
- BBQ smoked sausages
- Pork chops
- Baked or grilled chicken
- Green beans
- Purple hull peas
- Roasted broccoli
- Glazed carrots
- Garden salad
- Dinner rolls
One 9×13-inch casserole makes 12 servings, so it is a convenient choice for Easter, Thanksgiving, Christmas, family reunions, church dinners, and potlucks.
Recipe Variations
My family loves the original recipe exactly as written, but these simple variations can help you adapt it to your preferences.
Use a Different Condensed Soup
Replace the cream of mushroom soup with condensed cream of chicken soup or cream of celery soup. Each option will change the flavor slightly without changing the creamy consistency.
Try Sharp Cheddar Cheese
Use sharp cheddar when you want a stronger cheese flavor. You can also combine mild and sharp cheddar.
Add Green Onions
Stir sliced green onions into the potato mixture or sprinkle them over the finished casserole for a little color and fresh onion flavor.
Add Cooked Bacon
Stir cooked, crumbled bacon into the filling for a smoky variation. Make sure the bacon is fully cooked and drained before adding it.
Make It Extra Cheesy
Sprinkle additional cheddar cheese over the creamy potato mixture before adding the crushed Corn Flakes. Keep in mind that additional cheese will make the casserole richer and saltier.
Add a Little Garlic
Mix a small amount of garlic powder into the creamy filling for additional savory flavor.
How to Store Leftover Hash Brown Casserole
Allow the leftover hash brown casserole to cool, then transfer it to an airtight container or cover the casserole dish tightly. Store it in the refrigerator for up to four days.
Reheat individual servings in the microwave until hot. You can also cover the casserole and warm it in a 350°F oven. The microwave is convenient, but reheating the casserole in the oven will help the Corn Flakes topping retain more of its texture.
Can I Make Hash Brown Casserole Ahead of Time?
You can assemble the creamy hash brown mixture in advance and store it covered in the refrigerator. Wait to add the crushed Corn Flakes and melted butter until you are ready to bake so that the topping does not become soggy.
The original recipe is designed to go into the oven immediately after being assembled with frozen hash browns. A casserole that has been refrigerated will start at a different temperature and may require additional baking time.
Frequently Asked Questions
No. Add the shredded hash browns directly from the freezer. There is no need to thaw them before assembling the casserole.
Bake the casserole uncovered at 350°F for 45 minutes. I have found that 45 minutes gives this recipe the perfect creamy center and crispy Corn Flakes topping.
Yes. Condensed cream of chicken soup is an easy substitute and works well with the cheddar cheese, sour cream, and potatoes.
I recommend using frozen shredded hash browns because that is what this recipe was developed with. Cubed hash browns have a different texture and may not cook at the same rate.
After 45 minutes, the creamy potato mixture should be hot, the edges should be bubbling, and the Corn Flakes topping should be lightly golden.
Yes, but the sour cream filling and Corn Flakes topping may have a slightly different texture after freezing. Store individual portions in airtight freezer containers. Thaw them in the refrigerator and reheat thoroughly before serving.
This Easy Cheesy Hash Brown Casserole is one of those dependable family recipes I can turn to again and again. If you make it for your next family dinner, holiday meal, or potluck, please come back and leave a comment to let me know how it turned out!
Easy Hash Brown Casserole
Ingredients
- 1 32-ounce bag frozen shredded hash browns, do not thaw
- 2 cups shredded cheddar cheese
- 1 10-ounce can condensed cream of mushroom soup
- 2 cups sour cream
- Salt and black pepper, to taste
- 2 cups cornflakes cereal, crushed
- ½ cup 1 stick butter, melted
Directions
- Preheat the oven to 350°F. Lightly grease a 9×13-inch baking dish.
- Add the frozen hash browns and shredded cheddar cheese to the prepared baking dish. Season lightly with salt and black pepper.
- In a medium bowl, stir together the condensed cream of mushroom soup and sour cream until smooth.
- Add the soup mixture to the baking dish and stir until evenly combined with the frozen hash browns and cheese.
- Sprinkle the crushed cornflakes evenly over the casserole. Pour the melted butter evenly over the cornflake topping.
- Bake uncovered for 45 minutes, until the casserole is hot and bubbly and the cornflake topping is golden brown.
- Let rest for 5 minutes before serving.
Notes
- Add the hash browns directly from the freezer. Do not thaw them before assembling the casserole.
- Cream of chicken soup may be substituted for the cream of mushroom soup.
- Season lightly with salt since the condensed soup and cheddar cheese already contain salt.
Nutrition Facts
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